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    Devon Banfield

    Writer / Editor

    Dev Banfield is a reporter and columnist with Now Toronto. With a journalism diploma from Seneca College and an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Digital Media Studies from Ontario Tech University, she has worked as a reporter for the last eight years. She began her career as an intern with 680 News, transitioning to anchoring at their sister station CityNews Calgary, before moving to GMI. Working first as the executive producer of The Brandon Gonez Show, she then moved into a reporting role with Now Toronto. Since 2023, she has penned and published Queer & Now, a 2SLGBTQ+ culture column focused on telling the stories of Canada’s queer communities 365 days a year. Banfield is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Women and Gender Studies at Carleton University, where her research focuses on women’s involvement in Jamaica’s queer liberation movement. An avid reader and writer, Banfield is passionate about queer and BIPOC issues, women’s rights, and endometriosis research.

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  • Black Ideas Grant awards $3 million to support Black-led organizations across Ontario

    What to know The Foundation for Black Communities is investing more than $3 million into 55 Black-led organizations across Ontario through its Black Ideas Grant...
    Three women of diverse backgrounds smiling and collaborating around a laptop in a modern office setting.
    CultureFeatured
  • ‘The history of the Queer movement is not all white boys,’ The often untold story behind marriage equality in Canada

    What to know Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage when the Civil Marriage Act came into force on July...
    A woman with short blonde hair, red glasses, and a dark blazer, and a couple at a wedding, smiling and holding hands, celebrating marriage equality in Canada.
    CultureFeatured
  • ‘What do we actually fall in love with?’: Why ‘Twelfth Night’ is Shakespeare’s ‘Queerest’ play

    What to know Dream in High Park is hosting a special Queer Night performance of Twelfth Night, creating a welcoming space for Toronto's 2SLGBTQIA+ community....
    Audience watching an outdoor Shakespeare play in a park with a large crowd seated on the grass and trees in the background.
    CultureFeatured
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  • Teen fighting for his life after stabbing on Mississauga MiWay bus; woman in custody

    What to know A 17-year-old boy suffered life-threatening injuries in a stabbing aboard a MiWay bus early Monday morning. Peel police arrested one woman at...
    Peel Regional Police building with police badge logo on the facade in Mississauga, Ontario.
    Your City
  • Olympian Quinn warns Canada is ‘a few steps behind’ U.S. on anti-Trans policies

    What to know Quinn, an Olympic gold medallist and the first out Non-Binary Olympian, says growing anti-Trans rhetoric and legislation in Canada show the country...
    Olympian Quinn in a red sports jersey smiling outdoors with a track and field in the background, and heart-shaped pink and blue bath bombs on display.
    CultureFeatured
  • ‘Gyal You a Party Animal’ star Charly Black is coming to Toronto for an intimate show

    Heads up, Toronto party animals and dancehall baddies, Charly Black is bringing an intimate performance to Toronto. An Intimate Night with Charly Black is bringing...
    Charly Black, Jamaican dancehall artist, wearing a yellow cap, sunglasses, and jewelry, pointing upwards in Toronto for an upcoming show.
    CultureFeatured
  • Louis Tomlinson, jazz, kitten yoga and more: 10 fun things to do in Toronto this weekend

    What to know Toronto’s weekend lineup includes free festivals, live music, WNBA action, cultural celebrations, yoga and rooftop parties from July 17–19. Highlights include the Beaches Jazz Festival, Junior...
    Children in colorful costumes and sunglasses at a parade, and a kitten sitting on a person's lap, both images captured in Toronto.
    CultureFeatured
  • International Drag Day 2026: 8 drag shows and brunches to check out in Toronto this week

    What to know International Drag Day is celebrated on July 16, honouring the artistry, creativity and cultural impact of drag performers around the world. Three...
    Three women in glamorous outfits and a woman with red hair biting into a cake at a celebration, showcasing Toronto's vibrant entertainment scene.
    CultureFeatured
  • How Masabilities makes celebrating Toronto Carnival more accessible for disabled Caribbean communities

    What to know Masabilities, a sold-out Carnival-inspired event returning July 25, creates an accessible celebration for disabled and neurodivergent Afro-Caribbean people, alongside their families and...
    Toronto Carnival celebration featuring Masabilities with vibrant costumes and inclusive activities for disabled Caribbean communities.
    Culture
  • ‘It’s a wake-up call,’ Toronto councillor says Salsa on St. Clair shooting is a ‘tipping point’

    What to know Toronto Councillor Mike Colle says the deadly Salsa on St. Clair shooting is a "wake-up call" and "tipping point" for addressing gun...
    Toronto police officers at the scene of a shooting on St. Clair Avenue with police tape and emergency vehicles present.
    Your City
  • ‘A demonstration of pride and community,’ Why Josh Matlow wants more murals across Toronto

    What to know Toronto councillor Josh Matlow is calling for more public art across the city. A new mural in Little Brazil highlights the area's...
    A man with short dark hair and a serious expression stands indoors near a window, wearing a dark blazer and shirt, with a mural of a musician and dancers in the background.
    CultureYour City
  • ‘We wanted neighbourhood people in,’ Australia-themed Toronto bar closing amid rising costs and declining business

    What to know Electric Bill, a popular Australia-themed cocktail bar at Ossington Avenue and Bloor Street West, will permanently close on Aug. 16 after two...
    Exterior view of Electric Bill cafe in Toronto with warm lighting and a green cocktail with ice on a white surface.
    CultureYour City
  • We’re not a place for people to escape,’ Why this Trinidadian band is telling a different Caribbean story

    What to know Freetown Collective returns to Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre on Aug. 1 with its immersive Welcome to Freetown live experience. The Trinidadian band...
    Trinidadian band members in colorful outfits on a porch, showcasing Caribbean culture and vibrant fashion.
    Culture
  • ‘It’s about bringing in people who’ve been excluded,’ Why dozens of Black women lined up for cancer screening at one Toronto hospital

    What to know Women's College Hospital hosted its fifth annual cervical cancer screening event for Black women, welcoming a record 72 participants this year. The...
    Group of five Black women wearing pink shirts, smiling, at a healthcare event in Toronto.
    LifestyleYour City
  • 10 festivals and events you won’t want to miss in Toronto this weekend: July 10-12

    Everyone knows that summer weekends in Toronto are packed with fun things to do, and this weekend is no different. No matter what your idea...
    Crowd enjoying outdoor market in Toronto with city skyline in background during summer weekend.
    Culture